So You Want To Be A Fighter!(TM) Enter The Octagon(TM) With UFC(R) 2009 UNDISPUTED(TM)
-- THQ Inc.
Debut Videogame Based on Ultimate Fighting Championship(R) to Deliver Unparalleled Mixed Martial Arts Experience, Including Extensive Roster and Invigorating Gameplay Modes
AGOURA HILLS, Calif., May. 19, 2009 -- THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) and Zuffa, LLC today announced that UFC® 2009 Undisputed™, the heavily anticipated debut videogame based on the Ultimate Fighting Championship®, is now available at retailers worldwide for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Featuring an unprecedented roster of more than 80 top fighters in UFC competition across all five weight classes and a brand new fighting game engine developed to combine numerous martial arts disciplines, UFC 2009 Undisputed is rated “T” for Teen and is available for the suggested retail price of $59.99.
“The widespread popularity of the UFC brand and its refined mixed martial arts experience lend themselves perfectly to the interactive entertainment world,” said Brian Coleman, vice president, global brand management, THQ. “With one of the largest playable rosters on the market today, a highly intuitive control system and a host of compelling gameplay options, including the ability to recreate key moments in UFC history through a Classic Fights Mode, gamers everywhere can now take part in this growing global phenomenon.”
“With more than two million downloads of our playable demo thus far1, it is evident UFC 2009 Undisputed opens the door for videogame and fight fans around the world to identify with the most exciting live sports experience today,” said Dana White, president, UFC. “UFC 2009 Undisputed is, without question, the most compelling, the most exciting and the most realistic mixed martial arts experience to ever be featured in a videogame format.”
About UFC 2009 Undisputed
UFC 2009 Undisputed is an explosive fighting game that recreates the action, intensity and attitude of a UFC live event. Players will explore a deep roster of more than 80 top fighters in UFC competition across all five weight classes. In addition, they will enter the Octagon surrounded by the sport’s renowned announcer, commentators, referees, trainers, Octagon Girls and more. Photorealistic models are at the forefront, as players will view amazing ripple effects across the faces and bodies of their fighters from the impact of devastating punches and kicks.
A brand new fighting game engine designed specifically for next generation systems delivers innovative, responsive and easy-to-play controls that enable unparalleled command of fighters, as players take down opponents with a variety of mixed martial arts disciplines, including Muay Thai, Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The game’s Create-a-Fighter system jumpstarts the careers of future champions through character customization, while a robust Career Mode will develop a fighter’s attributes and skill sets while fighting to enter the UFC Hall of Fame. In addition, UFC 2009 Undisputed lets players revisit key moments in UFC history and attempt to recreate the matchups through a Classic Fights Mode. Furthermore, players may enhance their gameplay experience through online support, including downloadable content.
More information about UFC 2009 Undisputed can be found at www.ufcundisputed.com and www.thq.com.
About The Ultimate Fighting Championship®
The Ultimate Fighting Championship® is the world’s leading professional mixed martial arts organization and offers the premier series of MMA sports events. Owned and operated by Zuffa™, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC® produces over twelve live pay-per-view events annually that are distributed residentially through North American cable and satellite providers including iNDEMAND Networks, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN Entertainment, BellTV, SaskTel Max™, Shaw Pay-Per-View, Viewers Choice, and WOWOW in Japan, and Premiere Combate and SporTV in Brazil, and via the Internet worldwide on Yahoo! Sports, and commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. and Canadastar in Canada. In addition to its North American distribution, UFC programming is distributed in over 100 countries and territories throughout the world. For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit UFC.com, UK.UFC.com, GERMANY.UFC.com or UFCEspanol.com. All bouts live and subject to change.
About THQ Inc.
THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com. THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.
Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Ultimate Fighting®, UFC®, The Ultimate Fighter®, Submission®, As Real As It Gets®, Zuffa™, The Octagon™ and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks, trademarks, trade dress or service marks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC and affiliated entities in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks referenced herein may be the property of Zuffa, LLC or other respective owners.
Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, the Xbox logos, and the Xbox Live logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
“PlayStation,” "PLAYSTATION," “PS” Family logo and “PSP” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “THQ”), including, but not limited to, expectations and projections related to the UFC 2009 Undisputed videogame and are based upon management’s current beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, business, competitive, economic, legal, political and technological factors affecting our industry, operations, markets, products or pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ’s financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2008, and particularly the discussion of risk factors set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.
1 Microsoft Franchise Health - Report for Media Title: UFC® 2009 Undisputed™ Demo (5-7-2009); Sony Storefront Activity Report (5-3-2009)